Where Women Create: Book of Inspiration: In the Studio and Behind the Scenes with Extraordinary Women

by Jo Packham, Jenny Doh

The Where Women Create brand—including the first book and a national magazine—has proven hugely popular, and this inspiring volume builds on that success. Showcasing the studios and work styles of both famous and well-worth discovering artists, Where Women Book of Inspiration is a backstage pass to the insights, muses, and artistic practices of some of today's most notable creative women. It features gorgeous photos, tips, activities, and exercises, all presented in a warm and friendly voice designed to make readers feel welcome.   The imaginative women introduced on these colorful pages work in a wide variety of media, including fashion design, photography, quilting, book art, doll making, jewelry, art journals, and assemblage, and they explain how they got started; how they combat artistic ruts; and generously offer their advice and secrets to those who wish to blaze their own creative path.

Genres: Design, Crafts, Art, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Che · Rating 2 out of 5]

It reads as if the author hung a flyer in her local Starbucks that read "female artists meet me here at 8pm". The artists she gathered all seem similar. What differs is what inspires them. But it's quickly overshadowed in their artsy harmony.

I miss the diversity this book could've offered. I'm an artist. I love my creative space. I couldn't wait to walk through these artists spaces. But, page after page, I was so bored and uninspired.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professional crafters and creators share their inspirational studios. It was amazing, however, to see the likeness of style the author chose to populate her book, which conveniently gave it symmetry and ease of compilation. Fun, nonetheless.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun! A good one to look at from time to time and daydream.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! So many great photos, quotes, and inspirations.

[Laural Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! Gives insight on how creators design their studios. Also gives tips and tricks for crafting.

[Roxani]

A beautiful book that will make you want your own studio.

[Maleka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational. I would have liked to see a bit more diversity in artistic styles and aesthetic, but overall really fun to read.

[Haylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love exploring others' creative spaces. And this book goes one step further in acquainting you with the artists and there inner creativeness while showcasing their studios. I love it.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So inspiring to pursue whatever your passion is, mine is quilting

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring! I really like the tips for creative exploration. This will be staying on my bookshelf for a while.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy seeing other creative spaces. I resonated with the styles in this book - why I picked it up - but can see where they’re all very similar.

[Angtburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diverse artists and media to give examples of how and where they work.

[Marie Z Johansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a subtitle to this book that is " In The Studio and Behind The Scenes With Extraordinary Women". The list of the creative women included in this book is impressive: Vickie Howell, Pam Garrison, Alisa Burke, Danita, Theresa McFayden, Joanna Figueroa, Angela Cartwright - as well as Jo Packham and jenny Doh - to name a partial list of the included amazing talent in the book!


Sometimes I tend to stay away from books and magazines that feature beautiful work spaces because I get jealous - I can't stand up in my own sewing area. Then I realize I am being childish and decide to have a look at the awesome places that people put together that allows them to create their art that makes us all so happy to look at!


What I especially like about this book is the way it is set up. There are sections devoted to each artist; and the first two pages, aside from the utterly glorious photographs, described something about the artist and their view of their art-full lives. The following pages are filled with tid-bits like organizational tips,, how they stay inspired, what their choice of palette colors tend to be, where these creative personalities find inspiration, memories from their early childhood (or later) that recollect their first feelings about the joy to found in creating art. All of this information happily ensconced among glorious photography (think of how Stampington magazine photography look).



When I first looked at this book I was not certain how I would feel about it - but it only took a few minutes to fall in love with it . There is so much to be learned from the artists that we admire. They "made it" because of the way they think and the way they work - so there is much to be gleaned by reading their personal stories and having a look into their private creative spaces.


This is another winning Lark Books publication that I think belongs in the library of any creative person who wants some inspiration, some new ideas - or to learn something from from other amazingly talented, creative artists. I had to give this 5 stars - which I seldom do - because it really is a lusciously illustrated, very well done book!